Alaska’s 1964 earthquake elevated sections of the seafloor, forming new freshwater ponds that attracted marine sticklebacks; within five decades, these fish evolved significantly, paralleling the divergence seen in freshwater populations that had been isolated for thousands of years.

The text covers the aftermath of the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and its impact on threespine stickleback fish populations. Here’s a concise summary:

### Summary:
On March 27, 1964, a magnitude 9.2 earthquake transformed the landscape around Prince William Sound, raising seabeds and creating isolated ponds previously underwater. These ponds became habitats for threespine stickleback fish, isolated from their oceanic relatives.

A genetic study led by Emily Lescak revealed that these fish rapidly adapted—genetically diverging from their marine ancestors in just a few decades. Key changes were linked to a gene (Eda) responsible for their bony armor. Research indicated that genetic variations allowing for less armor were already present in marine sticklebacks, enabling swift adaptation to freshwater conditions.

The study emphasizes that visible evolutionary changes can occur much faster than previously thought, challenging the notion that evolution requires extensive geological timeframes.

### Key Points:
– The earthquake caused significant geographical changes, creating new freshwater habitats.
– Stickleback populations evolved rapidly, showcasing adaptation mechanisms.
– Genetic changes were linked to existing variations, facilitating quick evolution.
– The study suggests that not all species can adapt similarly, emphasizing variability in evolutionary responses.